Success Story: Margy

Margot, Age 55, Height 5ft 7in

Start Weight	12st 7lbs
Current Weight	10st 5lbs
Goal Weight	10st 7lbs
Weight Lost	2st 2lbs
Working to Rate of Loss	2lbs per week
Time Taken	19 weeks

Dieting History

I used to keep my weight within reasonable bounds using calorie counting, but around the menopause that didn’t seem to work anymore and I gained gradually until I was over 16 st.

Then I tried the Atkins diet for a few weeks but it left me with no energy.

Later I used the South Beach Diet to get to 11 st - this diet suited me in England but now I live in Greece and the main protein sources I used are not available (fresh tuna and salmon, Quorn, tofu, tempeh) and I got bored with pulses all the time.

Have you lost weight before and regained the weight?

I put back 1½ stone last summer but found WLR just at the right time.

How being overweight has affected you…

When I was really large my weight was one of the main reasons I was depressed - but also my depression caused me to eat.

There seemed to be no way out of this cycle.

Motivation to Diet

I’ve always been interested in health and healthy eating. But I must admit I didn’t know about the link between low-carb and osteoporosis until I joined WLR.

"My motivation now is to stay healthy and active as long as possible."

I also really enjoy buying new clothes!

Discovering Weight Loss Resources

Searching on the Internet for information on nutrition.

How Weight Loss Resources Helps

As I discovered more about healthy eating I changed my food choices to include more carbohydrates (mostly low GI) and less dairy food.

"The main benefit of the site for me is the encouragement to exercise."

Being able to eat exercise calories is such a good idea! It meant I got fitter and more able to exercise while eating more than I normally would on a diet.

The advice on the boards about drinking lots of water and avoiding ‘starvation mode’ was also very useful.

The Best of Weight Loss Resources

I mainly use the food and exercise diary.

I look at the boards, especially the Maintainers board now, but don’t log in often enough to keep up with what’s going on.

I would ask if I had a specific problem, but my weight loss has been really straightforward.

I didn’t hit a plateau and although I ate what I wanted at Christmas, I lost the extra weight within 2 weeks.

Margy's Calorie Counting Tips

Although calorie counting means you can eat anything you like, I find it better to stay completely away from certain food - sweets, pastry, cake etc.

"If I start to think I can eat them and still lose weight I want them every day."

Now I never eat them at all and don’t get tempted to (so far!).

I really think the health angle is the one to focus on.

It’s hard enough to get your vitamins and fibre and omega 3’s without wasting calories on junk!